PD To Host Parade In Lieu Of National Nigh Out Amid Pandemic

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Romeoville Police Department is dedicated to its goal — to serve and protect the people, and on Aug. 4, officers will quite literally be serving the village residents. In lieu of the annual National Night Out event, the department is hosting a parade amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cool Down with a Cop slushy parade will see over 20 PD members handing out free Kona sno-cones and large Auntie Ann pretzels to first 1,000 cars from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in front of the Romeoville Police Department access drive located at 1050 W. Romeo Road. No registration is required, and officers will also be giving away surprise gifts to the youngest members of the families in attendance.

"The first half of the year 2020 has brought many changes to this world. Just like the community, the Romeoville Police Department had to adapt to the changes the pandemic brought to their community policing," said Romeville Det. Kelley Talbot. "I struggled with the idea of cancelling the National Night Out event. This event, along with other community outreach events, has been instrumental in keeping the officers connected with the Romeoville community."

Talbot, the organizer of the yearly NNO event, hoped the pandemic restrictions would be lifted so she could host this popular event again. In the previous years, the NNO event brought nearly 500 community members together.

The super-hero themed event was a success and the officers look forward to having this community celebration for the Romeoville residents every year.

"We all hope we can have the NNO event, with no restrictions in 2021," she said. "Until then, the NNO Committee Team planned the slushy parade as a safe substitute to the NNO event."

In order to ensure safety, all PD personnel will be wearing masks, gloves and using hand sanitizers. Residents are being asked to remain in their cars while the officers serve them. Those coming to witness the parade can do so from the sidewalks while maintaining social distancing.

Newly-appointed chief Kenneth Kroll said this event is a fun way of letting people know that "we are still here for them." He also said this event is all about community policing, an area of his department that he takes very seriously and holds dear to his heart.

"In cop school you learn that community policing is probably the most expensive way, but also the most effective way to be the police,” he said.

He said that Cool Down with a Cop is all about sharing "a little summer-time goodwill with the community."

"So many things we [the police] do are immeasurable," Kroll said. "If one kid or one family leaves this event with a greater sense of 'community', or a realization that the police are the good guys, then that is a big win."

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